Alice in Chains--Dirt

Alice in Chains--Dirt (1992) Rating--8.4 **U.S. Sales Certification--Multi-Platinum 4**

Not a bad album at all, but it's sure not 'Facelift,' either. The guitar sound of the band seems to have changed a bit from the first album, which is (in my opinion) a bad thing. "Dam That River" comes close to the crunch of the debut, and "Would?" has some nice end-song chugging... but that's about it. Now, having said all that-- this disc is also considered by many to be the band's high point of their career. The distortion and songwriting are widely considered as the prototype "grunge metal" sound of the time. The result is a good number of solid mood pieces: "Angry Chair," "Rooster," "Rain When I Die," and "Down in a Hole". It all becomes a matter of taste, I suppose.
HOT CHOPS--"Down in a Hole" is one of the most emotional pieces ever recorded, IMO. It's definitely "Facelift" quality. Check out the overlapping vocals of Staley and Cantrell, and listen for the almost inaudible "in bloom" lines. Great, great stuff--- especially on headphones.
TRACK LIST: Them Bones/Dam That River/Rain When I Die/Sickman/Rooster/Junkhead/Dirt/Godsmack/ Hate to Feel/Angry Chair/Down in a Hole/Would?

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